Overdoing it??

I'm looking for some guidance.  For the last couple of weeks I've really been pushing myself to get to the gym every 2-3 days.  I do 30 minutes cardio (just started the couch to 5K),  then 45 minutes - 1 hour of weight training (arms and legs).  I normally finish off with about 60-70 sit ups/crunches on a ball.

I've been limiting my calories, and upped my water from 80 oz to 120-130 oz daily.  The plateau I've been in for the last two months is breaking, and I'm down almost 5 pounds in the last couple of weeks.

While I'm ecstatic, I gotta tell you, I hurt.  I have taken the last 3 days off of training because every muscle in my body aches.  I feel like I have the flu.  The worst is the exhaustion and dizziness I've had for the last 3 days.  My head constantly feels like it's spinning (slowly albeit), but I just don't feel well. 

So, am I overdoing it, or should I worry about something more serious?  I know that some of the tiredness is because my period is coming (sorry guys), and I always get a little sleepy, but this is ridiculous.  I almost fell asleep at my desk on Monday and Tuesday. 

I've even cut out as much carbs as I can, because I do crash off of those I've found.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Well first off, I applaud your workout efforts.  Puts me to shame, so I really can't comment on THAT component of your problem.

But the tiredness COULD be a sign that you are low on iron - do you take a supplement?  You might get that checked.  Also, a goofy thyroid can cause excessive tiredness, and either could contribute to the dizziness.  Either way, you would be wise to consult your doctor, just to rule out anything more significant. 

Good luck to you!

Darla,

I do take an iron supplement (325 mg Ferrous Sulfate).  I've been taking it since last fall when I was anemic.  I've been struggling with it since October, but when I went for my 3 month check up in June, it was actually normal!!  I don't know if its low, but that could probably be a pretty easy thing for my clinic to check.

I may just give them a call and see what they say.

Thanks!

Ferrous Sulfate is the bad kind of iron for WLS people. You want Ferrous Fumerate or Chelated Iron.  Those are absorbed much better.

I called my clinic, and they said it wasn't vitamin  or surgery related, my levels were all good.  They suggested I go to my primary.  Well he was away, but one of his partners fit me in.  Apparently I have a virus that is causing my sore throat, lethargy, muscle pain, headaches and wooziness.  I'm still contagious for another day or so, then I at least won't get anyone else sick. 

He said that with a virus like this, they can't do anything for me.  It will take at least another 1-3 weeks before I'm feeling better.  Yeah! (insert sarcasm here).  I'll just have to keep pushing myself to keep exercising when the only thing I want to do is curl up on my bed with a blanket and a book or sleep.

I somehow made it through my 31 minutes of running/walking in the Couch to 5K and 15 minutes of upper body training, and 75 sit-ups on the ball.  I did almost collapse going up the stairs after though.  Hmmmm.....maybe I should cut back a little?

Just thought I would update everyone.

Oooh, and to probe my plateau is broken, I hit 100 pound weight loss since the end of October.  I still have 60 more to go to hit my goal, but I'm getting there!

Nicole,

Glad to hear you got into the doctor.....Don't push yourself too hard, or you could prolong the virus......Maybe just doing something 30 min. a day till you feel better.....

Take care, Kelly